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Quick! Who Is a Bigger Scaredy Cat: You or Your Boyfriend?

Last week while I was getting my haircut, my stylist and I bonded over TV shows. We both gushed about Parks and Recreation. But when she told me all about her new favorite show, American Horror Story, I blushed and admitted that I’m too much of a chicken to watch; even when the commercials come on I have to change the channel.

It’s true, I get scared over the smallest things. Ghost stories and scary movies will deprive me of sleep for way longer than I’d like to admit. And then of course, there are my irrational fears: snails and possums. Ew.

This lady knows what I'm talking about.

Because I’ve been such a wuss for most of my life, just about all of the dudes I’ve dated have seemed braver than I. But according to new research, “men aren’t necessarily less fearful than women.” Earlier today, Huffington Post shared a new study that looks at the way MMA fighters handled fear. All of the fighters who participated in the study admitted to being scared before fights—some even backed out of matches or were so overwhelmed with fear that they became ill—despite the tough attitudes they portray before a bout. The author behind the study reasoned that these men “just don't express their fear openly, in much the way women may hold back their anger.”

There are different kinds of fear, of course. I think when it comes to meeting new people or other social situations, I’m much more comfortable than Chris. When it comes down to it though, it’s safe to say that I’m much more fearful than he is.

What about you, sweet readers? If you’re in a relationship which one of you is more fearful? Or perhaps you’re about even? If you’re single, what about your past relationships? A good friend likes to joke that her seemingly brave and bold ex is afraid of only one thing in this world: commitment!